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Patricia Benner's Theory on Nursing, 2007.
An examination of Patricia Benner's theory regarding the evolution of a novice nurse into an expert.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Patricia Benner's theory on the process by which a novice nurse becomes an expert. The theory has been both widely accepted and criticized since its inception in 1984. The paper examines the theory's approach to the learning process critical to comprehending nursing education. It discusses how nurse students slowly progress not only in terms of information accumulation, compartmentalization, processing and task organization, but also in terms of the changes in how complex and numerous sources of information are interpreted and integrated to provide a holistic picture of a patient's condition and how the patient and his or her environment interact to produce this condition.
From the Paper
"One of the hallmarks of the theory is that each level is built heavily upon the experiences at lower levels (Benner, 1984). For instance, the only usable experiences novices can rely on are textbook knowledge and black-or-white "rules" laid out prior to clinical exposure. Without the benefit of real-life scenarios that are often perplexing to the novice and any given situation's tendency to veer towards "gray areas," a novice will be very limited to routine task performance with little analysis. A step up from a novice, an advanced beginner may be able to perform simple emergency department tasks such as triaging of simple, straightforward cases and recognizing normal variability in vital signs in common clinical scenarios, although atypical settings (e.g. relative bradycardia in typhoid fever) may be misleading. Competent nurses utilize substantial analytical and critical thinking effort in order to assess multiple relevant elements in a patient's condition and arrive at plans that possess both short- and long-term goals."
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Health and Safety for Nurses in Home Health Care, 2008.
A discussion of health and safety issues for nurses who work with home health care agencies.
1,710 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the situation of nurses in home health care, who regularly work in isolation without the benefit of peers or essential supports, unlike nurses in hospitals, which have the benefit of safety and security measures provided by the institution. The paper points out that home health care nurses are predominately female and are subject to high physical and psychosocial demands. Furthermore, many of these nurses work in isolated rural settings, making them more prone to physical assault, sexual assault and various forms of workplace violence, as well as personal injury related to heavy lifting. The paper argues that the most important point about health and safety issues is that they impact of the care the client receives. To conclude, the paper maintains that the goal for all home health care agencies must be to ensure the safety of both staff and patients, and this may be achieved through employee awareness and in agency commitment to the staff.
From the Paper
"Home health care is a rapidly expanding industry because of such factors as an aging population and decreased hospital stays. With that expansion have come increasing incidents of violence in the workplace. Surveys of nurse reveal that problems related to safety in the home care field have escalated. These problems range form verbal and physical abuse, along with threatening animals to visible weapons and illegal drugs (Sylvester & Reisener, 2002). In addition, nurses in home care very often work in areas where the crime rate is above the national average. All of these issues and concerns create a potential impact on patient care and patient outcomes (Fazzone & Barloon, 2000). When nurses are in continual fear over their safety, this situation is certain to affect the quality of care."
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Families' Experiences and Life-Support Withdrawal, 2007.
An examination of families' experiences when deciding to remove life-sustaining interventions in the intensive care unit (ICU).
3,164 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the experience of family members who are engaged in decision-making related to the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining interventions from another family member. It explains that the methodology used consists of a sample of four to five families who are contacted through ICU family conferences in one or two hospitals in which the conferences are concerned with the withholding or withdrawal of life support from a family member. The paper looks at how certain factors may be identified from family members' experiences that help to determine why the decision-making process is subject to wide variation.
The paper also notes that it is expected that certain family members engage in more effective decision making than others and that particular families engage in more effective decision making than other families. The paper highlights the fact that family decisions are rendered easier or more problematic by such variables as the person's prognosis, whether an acute or chronic illness is involved, perceived quality of life, degree of suffering, and the presence of an advance directive. The paper concludes that preparation for death most especially needs to be based in a team approach, and the emphasis should be upon the relationship between nurses and families and that the future needs of the family should be proactively considered once death has occurred.
From the Paper
"Nurses and other healthcare providers normally initiate the discussion that lead to withdrawal of life-support but patients and families make the final decision. The experience of decision making is different for family members when an acute illness is involved from a situation of chronic illness. After a period of denial, families of patients with acute illness or injury can recognize the need for withdrawal of support much more quickly (McHale Wiegand, 2006). Certain behaviors by healthcare providers can increase the level of distress experienced by the patient's family."
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Nutrition and Wound Healing, 2008.
This paper discusses the significant role of nutrition in wound healing.
714 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that wound healing proceeds through three stages, each one with its special nutritional requirements. The paper discusses how problems with wound healing occur primarily because of inadequate nutrition and a lack of vitamins and minerals in the family diet.
From the Paper
"Nutrition plays a significant part in wound healing since it enables optimal healing to occur. Proper nutrition enhances the body's ability to regain its balance. Because of children's susceptibility to wounds, parents need to understand the basic process of wound healing and the role of nutrition in wound care. Wound healing takes place through three interrelated phases: inflammation; the proliferative stage; and a process of remodeling (Leininger, 2002). Each stage of wound healing is marked by different nutritional needs. Problems with wound healing are explained by three main reasons: inadequate nutrition and a diet lacking in vitamins and minerals; infection; and problems with organ function. Leininger (2002) maintains that well-nourished individuals experience rapid and improved wound healing. Parents can promote wound healing by ensuring that their children have adequate and appropriate nutrition made up of appropriate calories and nutrients."
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Deep Vein Thrombosis, 2008.
This paper analyzes three nursing research articles, using quantitative, qualitative, and systematic designs, seeking the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Hayes et al. as presented in 'Graduated Compression Stockings: Updating Practice, Improving Compliance' in the 2002 "MedSurg Nursing" used qualitative research based on interviews; however, there was no report of the literature review, research design or description of the participants. The author points out that the article by Sprigg and Gray 'Compression Stockings and the Prevention of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism' from a 2004 "Evidence Based Practice Information Sheets for Health Professionals" described a nested observational design but has problems with validity and reliability and therefore cannot be generalizable to all patients. The paper concludes that the best article is the systematic review by the American Nurses Association 'Graduated Compression Stockings: Prevention of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism is Crucial' in a 2006 "American Journal of Nursing" because the suggestions and recommendations are based directly on the research and are usable.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Qualitative
Quantitative
Systematic Review
Ratings
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Sprigg and Gray's (2004) study is strong because of its use of confounders such as medications and the effect of other illnesses. The committee was blinded to what patients were wearing stockings. Data were collected three times and consisted of assessing the patient for either adverse or beneficial outcomes. There were no withdrawals but two percent were excluded. The rating would be S (strong). Hayes et al. (2002) supply very little information. The only information is on data collection which was done through interviews."
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Eradication of Disease, 2008.
This paper explores global immunization in the 20th century.
1,912 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the eradication of disease and explores whether it is worth the cost, if it can be accomplished on a global scale and what types of diseases are candidates for eradication. The paper looks at the difficulties involved in immunization programs and shows how infectious diseases must be considered in a global context.
Outline:
Introduction
Background & Research
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The only disease ever to be eradicated is small pox. On May 8, 1980, the World Health Assembly declared that smallpox had been eradicated globally. For the first time in history, mankind had vanquished a disease. However, this was not the first attempt to eradicate a global disease. It was the fifth. (CDC) Efforts to eliminate hookworm, yellow fever, yaws, and malaria had failed. There may be a number of reasons why the efforts towards eliminating smallpox succeeded and others had failed. Smallpox had a number of highly favorable characteristics which made it a prime candidate for eradication including the very heat-stable vaccine which was effectively administered with a single dose. No other disease comes close to matching these advantages. That presents a host of difficulties, which we try to address in this paper. These include administering multiple doses in disadvantaged poorer countries as well as to poorer people in more affluent countries. Other factors include delivering effective immunization programs in countries with a less developed health-care, transportation, and communications' infrastructure especially in Asia and Africa."
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Smoking and Cognitive Functioning, 2008.
A literature review analyzing whether smoking is detrimental to the mental health of elderly patients, or not.
926 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the correlation between smoking and cognitive functioning in the elderly. The paper aims to determine if evidence exists to support the contention that smoking is detrimental to the mental health of elderly patients, or if this suggestion is unfounded. It generally discusses the health risks associated with smoking and then analyzes the literature with regards to the specific risks of smoking in elderly patients.
Outline:
Introduction
Health Risks
Literature
Health Promotion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The research indicates that there is widespread concern for the impact that smoking has on the mental health of elderly patients. The literature indicates that there is currently no correlation between a decline in mental health and smoking, but that there are continued concerns for health risks that are known and have yet to be determined for all age groups. It is apparent, therefore, that continued research is significant to discover the impact that smoking has on all people and that in relation to the elderly smoking should be evaluated as part of the service delivery on a consistent basis."
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Shortage of Nurses, 2008.
This paper discusses the possible hiring of foreign nurses to help with the shortage of nurses in the US.
828 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the problem of shortages of nurses in the US continues to grow. One solution to the problem is enticing students to choose the career of nursing. The writer notes that another solution for the United States is to hire foreign nurses to come to the United States. The writer maintains that many nurses living in Africa and other undeveloped nations are willing to migrate to the United States in order to receive higher wages and better benefits. The writer acknowledges that the problem with this solution is that it leaves a shortage of nurses in undeveloped countries where health care is needed. Yet, the writer argues that this may be the best solution for the United States.
From the Paper
"These two statistics show the need for the United States to find solutions to the nursing shortage. Solutions to end the shortage of nurses must be found before 2020 when many employees are no longer able to work and more nurses are needed to care for the elderly. One solution to the shortage is hiring nurses from other countries."
"The shortage of nurses continues to be a serious problem. The shortage of nurses is not only in the United States, but also in many other countries. The growing shortage is contributed to by having more employees becoming retired or unable to work due to age."
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Dialogues with Nursing Patients, 2008.
This paper analyzes three nursing dialogues with very different patients.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the only way that nurses will learn about patients' needs and concerns is to really listen and to communicate well. The author points out that the purpose of the dialogues described in the paper was to identify or express the concerns of a patient with tachycardia, a breast cancer patient and a person with chronic abdominal pain. The paper stresses that the better the nurse's communication skills, the higher will be the quality of care that she or he provides. The author underscores that the most important point learned from these dialogues is the importance of the patient's perspective. The paper suggest that open-ended questions, going with the flow, patients' use of certain words or sentences and attentive listening are essential to a successful patient-nurse dialogue.
From the Paper
"I made other errors with Mrs. K, but they became a learning experience for the next two dialogues. For instance, I interrupted Mrs. K at times to respond to her. The most valuable lesson from Dialogue 1 was that we can remain true to the original intent by asking open-ended questions. The whole direction of the communication can be guided with open-ended questions. At the same time, there were blocks to effective communication because I began with a closed question. When Mrs. K stated that she felt she was becoming paralyzed, that statement needs to be explored with a great deal of empathy."
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End-Stage Renal Disease, 2008.
An analysis of the restrictions placed on the diet of a patient undergoing dialysis of end-stage renal disease.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the importance of nutrition in end stage renal failure disease versus non-diseased people. It begins by discussing the causes of end-stage renal disease and its recommended treatment. The paper then discusses nutrition in the pre-dialysis and dialysis patient. The paper specifically looks at the restrictions that must be placed on the diet of a patient undergoing dialysis.
Outline:
Causes
Treatment
Nutrition in the Pre-dialysis and Dialysis Patients
From the Paper
"The definitive treatment of ESRD is the initiation of dialysis (peritoneal or hemodialysis) or renal transplantation with control or eradication of the cause of the kidney disease. However, nutritional support in the patient with end-stage renal disease must take into account the fragile electrolyte balance maintained by the remaining functional nephrons. Nutritional support in these patients most importantly takes into account the stage at which the patient is in. Protein restriction (0.6 g/kg/day) combined with a balanced, calorie-sufficient diet (35 kcal/kg/day) and phosphorus supplementation of up to 10 g/kg/day is the diet of choice for stage 3, 4 and 5CRD patients (Skorecki, Green & Brenner, 2005). Protein restriction is the most important component, which avoids the problem of urea nitrogen accumulation from the catabolism of the n-terminals of excess protein. Other organ system disorders are treated separately."
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Nursing Research, 2008.
This paper explores nursing research and its utilization.
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that nursing practices guided by research-based evidence is fast replacing the old paradigm of anecdotal experience handed down from mentor to student. The paper discusses the historical origins of nursing research, namely the legacy of Florence Nightingale. The paper looks at the crucial role of nursing research. The paper discusses how barriers to research still exist, particularly in the initiation of research or in its implementation.
Outline:
Historical Origins of Nursing Research
Role of Nursing Research: Utilization
Evidence-Based Practice
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Research is a challenge as it constantly involves bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and actual practices in order to find new and practical applications. However far removed research may seem to the nurse in a clinical setting, nursing practices guided by research-based evidence is fast replacing the old paradigm of anecdotal experience handed down from mentor to student, a testament to the continuous dedication of the nurse to professional development in the midst of resistance and the temptation of complacency. Research is "essential if the nursing profession is to meet its mandate to society for effective and efficient patient care" (American Nurses Association [ANA], 1994, para. 3)."
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Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory, 2008.
This paper provides an overview and application of Orem's self-care deficit theory.
2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
The paper provides a brief overview of the self-care deficit theory based on Dorothea Orem's use of the four meta-paradigmatic concepts. The paper demonstrates how a client, Mrs. S., has specific health-care deficits along with strengths and also looks at any areas in which the theory is not effective. The paper explains Orem's theory that a client's health is affected by a number of contributing personal factors and various factors that are found in the environment and maintaining and restoring health depends on whether the client can effectively cope with these factors and self-care requisites.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Self-care Deficit Theory
Self-care Theory Applied to Mrs. S
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Orem's theory of self-care is based in her concept of the human being. The person is a biopsychosocial self-care being who is capable of self-care. This is a holistic view involving multiple domains of the person. The goal of nursing is to assist and support the client with the need for self-care and to promote health. This goal is achieved by nurses who use the nursing process to develop a plan of care for the client. The environment contains internal and external stimuli with which the client interacts, and such interaction is crucial because the environment contains resources which contribute to self-care (Sousa & Zauszniewski, 2006)."
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Adolescents and Healthy Food, 2007.
A review of the article "Factors of Fruit and Vegetable Intake by Race, Gender and Age Among Young Adolescents" by M.L. Granner, R.G. Sergant, K.S. Calderon, J.R. Hussey, A.E. Evans, and K.W. Watkins.
1,060 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper critically analyzes the article "Factors of Fruit and Vegetable Intake by Race, Gender and Age Among Young Adolescents" by Granner et. al. The paper explains that although a number of methodological aspects prove problematic, the paper is also confounded by equally serious conceptual errors. The paper looks at the apparent total absence of research hypotheses and notes that the absence of testimonial regarding the benefits of eating healthily also leaves a question mark over whether poor diet is a concern for researchers, or even a problem willing to be explored. The writer believes that the discussion section seems fairly brief for a research topic apparently so broad in scope, but notes that the one notable finding of the Granner et. al. experiment - a high correlation between self-efficacy and snack choice - may be explored in further detail in the future.
From the Paper
"The research measures, moreover, provide something of a quandary. The complicated and numerous variables lead to a much more intricate and confusing methodological tapestry than would seem necessary. Measures such as race, age, and gender, and their impact on the food attitudes of adolescents are certainly necessary. However, measures such as "normative beliefs", "outcome expectations" and "modeling" seem a little excessive. Instead, the experimenters conduct something of a dual study of both these dependent variables impacting age, ethnicity and gender, and these former measures again acting as independent variables to fruit and vegetable consumption. If the point of the present research is indeed to examine a relationship between adolescence and poor dietary habits, the variables should be similarly simple."
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Nutrition, Exercise and Ethnicity, 2008.
A critical analysis of the article; "Patterns and Correlates of Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors in Adolescents" by A. Sanchez, G.J. Norman, J.F. Sallis, K.J. Calfas, J. Cella and K. Patrick.
796 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the article "Patterns and Correlates of Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors in Adolescents", which demonstrates the ethnic differences in how adolescents exercise and get nutrition. The paper looks at the structure and methodology of the study and concludes that the study represents a high level of research quality.
From the Paper
"A 2007 study published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine, entitled "Patterns and Correlates of Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors in Adolescents" demonstrates that there are marked differences along ethnic lines in how adolescents exercise and get nutrition (Sanchez, Norman, Sallis, Calfas, Cella and Patrick, 2007). The study's purpose, as stated, was to determine the "prevalence, clustering, and correlates of multiple adolescent health behaviors" to assist in informing the "design of health promotion interventions" (124). The study examined a significant sample of adolescents, 878 children aged 11 through 15 years, and looked at their specific daily food intake, level and type of activity, and non-athletic activities such as watching television or playing video games. The article concluded that minority status was the second highest determiner of lower healthy food intake and lower exercise rates in adolescents - the most significant determiner was a low education."
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Nursing Leadership and Management, 2008.
This paper discusses the concept of power within the field of nursing.
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that nurses find themselves in a unique position when compared to other professions. Although highly educated themselves, many nurses in management positions find themselves automatically being placed in a reduced position of power. The writer points out that this subordinate position is often apparent when dealing with other healthcare professionals, supervisors, and management. This essay looks at several issues regarding power and management, particularly in how it relates to nursing. The writer concludes that power is a term used to refer to an inherently unequal position between people and that it is used to gain control over an individual or event.
Outline:
How Does Leadership Differ from Management?
What is Power?
Seven Bases of Power
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The seven bases of power are reward, punishment, legitimate, expert, information, and connection. The use of these seven bases of power enables the nurse to shift this unequal relationship to some degree. Every nurse must, at some time, deal with individuals who are not nurses and still affect patient care. Some of these people are family members or are people with that share a relationship with the patient outside of the care facility. Others of these people are those individuals from other departments such as social services or radiology. And, of course, nurses must deal with physicians on a daily basis."
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